Variety (July 1957)

Wednesday, July 3, 1957 PICTCRE GROSSES 11 P%soe¥y Chi Still Strong; 'Pride’ Mighty $7(1,000, 'Silk’ Wham 19G, ‘St. Joan’ Big 10G, ‘Bemardine’ Tidy 17G, 2d * Chicago, July 2. • More potent product blows into the Windy City this frame and the upsurge , in b.o. action continues. Chicagoland fair, drawing 50,000 to city daily, is helping trade, too. Biggest starter is "Pride and Passion,” at State-Lake With a. mighty $70,000 likely. The Loop Theatre is doing great with "Silk Stockings,” at $19,000 or over. "St. Joan” starts off at the Gar¬ rick with a warm $10,000. “Sierra Stranger” and "Spin Dark Web” shape active $7,600. Second framers are running bet¬ ter than, par for jnost part withr "Green Man” doing fanciest box- office "Beginning of End” with "Unearthly” slips to an okay sec¬ ond frame. "Bemardine” winds up with a tidy second round at the Chicago. "Island in Sun” remains healthy for third frame at Oriental. "Lit¬ tle Hut” shapes durable in fourth at the Woods. “Gunfight at O.K. Corral” looks fair for fifth frame at United Artists. Todd’s Cinestage carries “Around World in 80 Days” into 13th week without any softening in its capa¬ city business. "Seven Wonders of World” is still mighty at Palace for its 28th week while "10 Com¬ mandments” keeps steady for its 32d set at .McVickers. Estimates for This Week* Carnegie (H&E Balaban) (480; 90)—"It Happened in Park” (Indie) (2d wk). Nice $2,800. Last week, $3,500, Chicaro (B&K) (3,900; 90*1.50) —“Bemardine” (20th) (2d wk). Fast $17,000. Last week, *28,000. Esquire (H&E Balaban) (1,400; $1.Z5) — “Subsequent-run. Last week, “Loser Takes AH” (DCA) (3d wk), $5,000 for 5 days Garrick (B&K) (850; 90-$1.25)- . “St. Joan” (UA). Sock $10,000.. Last week, “Sea Devils” (Cap) and "Flying Leathernecks” (Cap) (re¬ issues) (2d wk), $6,000. Grand (Indie) (1,200; 90*1.25)— "Sierra Stranger” (Col) and “Spin a Dark Web” (Col). Fine $7,600. Last week, “Beyond Mombassa” (Col) and “Hellcats of Navy” (Col), $5,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90*1.50)— “Silk Stockings” (M-G). Terrific $19,000. Last week, “Seventh Sin" (M-G) (2d wk), $5,300> McVickers (JLfcS) (1,580; $1.25- (Continued on page 18) ‘DJ.’ Stout $10,000, Best K.C. Newcomer;’Tarty’ Same, Desk’ Oke 12G Kansas City, July 2. Some improvement is being shown in theatre traffic currently. “D. I.” at Paramount and “Bache¬ lor Party” at the Midland both loom good. "Around World in 80 Days” in fifth week at the Tower continues to he a leader while "Cinerama Holiday’’ at the Mis¬ souri holds steady. “Desk Set” in four Fox Midwest theatres is bare¬ ly okay. “Bailout at 43,000” in four Dickinson theatres looks mod¬ erate. Heavy rains continue to hold back hiz, especially at the drive-ins. Estimates for This Week Dickinson, Glen, Shawnee Drive- in, Leawood Drive-in (Dickinson) (750; 700; 1,100 cars; 900 cars; 75c person)—-“Bailout at 43,000” (UA) and “Gun Duel at Durango” (UA). Fairish $10,000; hurt by rains. Last week, “Tall T” (Col) and “Storm Over Nile” (Col), $12,000. Klmo (Dickinson) (504; 75-90)-^ “Moulin Rouge” (UA) and “Afri¬ can Queen” (UA) (reissues) (2d wk). Okay $1,000. Last week, $1,500. . Midland (Loew) (3,500; 60-80)— “Bachelor Party” (M-G) and “A Woman’s Devotion” (Hep). Good $10,000 or near. Last week, “Some¬ thing of Value” (M-G) and “Crime Of Passion” (UA), $9,500. Missouri (SW-Cinerama) (1,194; $1.25-$2) — “Cinerama Holiday” (Cinerama) (17th wk). Firm $10,- 000. Last week, same. Paramount (UP) (1,900; 75-90)— “D. I.” (WB). Stays nine days as house moves to July 4 opening; sturdy $10,000. Last week, “Face in Crowd” (WB), $5,000. Rockhill (Little Art Theatres) (750; 75-90)—“Inside Girls’ Dormi¬ tory” (Indie). Moderate $1,200. Last week, “Love Lottery” (Indie) (2d wk), $900. Roxy (Durvvood) (879; 90-$2) — “10 Commandments” (Par) (20th (Continued on page 18) UU« J 4---—-:-:- Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re¬ ported herewith from the vari¬ ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib¬ utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in¬ come. The parenthetic* admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. 'll I Vlnwl.T 711' D.C.;‘Sun’16G,3d Washington, July 2. Malnstem biz is off because of heat and a considerable batch of holdovers. Attractive among new¬ comers are “Man on Fire” and “The D.I.”, latter in 2 spots. “Is¬ land in Sun” continues big in third Capitol week, and stays a fourth. “Around the World” also is keep¬ ing: up its strong pace. “Seven Wonders of World” is up to a fancy figure in 27th week. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,490; $1.25) —“D.I.” (WB). Solid $8,000. Last week, “Face in Crowd” (WB), $7,200. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 35*1-25) —“Island in Sun” (20tht Fine *16.000 in third stanza after $22,- 000 last week. Holds. Columbia (Loew) <1,174; 70-95)— “Kronos” (20th) and “She-Devil” (20th). Nice $8,000. Last week, "Ride Back” (Col), $7,000. : Keith’s (RKO) (1,859; 70-90)— “Deadly Mantis” (U) and “Girl in Kremlin” (U). Thin $5,500. Last week, “Johnny Tremain” (BV), $9,000.' Metropolitan /(SW) (1,100; 85- $1.25)—"D.L” (WB). Big $15,000. Stays. Last week, “Face in Crowd” (WB), $8,900. Palace (Loew) (2,360;-85*1.25)— “Man on Fire” (M-G). Good $17,- 000, Last week, “Something of Value” (M-G) (2d wk), $12,500. . Plaza (T-L) (290; 90*1.50)— “Miner’s Beautiful Wife” (DCA) (2d wk). Good looking. $4,000 after $5,000. opener. N Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 90*1.25) —“Lizzie” (M-G) (2d wk-4 days). Light $2,000 after $3,500 first week. Uptown (SW) (1,100; $1,25*3)— “Around World In 80 Days” (UA) (13th wk). Great. $24,000. Last week, $22,500. Warner (SW-Cinerama) (1,300; $1.20*2.40)—“Seven Wonders of World” (Cinerama) (27th . wk). Bouncing back to $15,000 after $13,800 last round. ‘VALUE’ SMART $11,000, L’VILLE; TREMAIN’10G Louisville, July 2. General Wicket pace in this Bluegrass metropolis is lively this week, but a couple of spots are mildish. Loew’s “Something Of Value” is strong. Directly across Fourth Street, “Johnny Tremain” looks healthy at Rialto. “Man Afraid” and “Kettles On Old Mac¬ Donald’s Farm” looks good at the Kentucky. “Around World in 80 Days” is rated wow in fifth stanza at the Brown. Estimates for This Week Brown (Fourth Ave.-U.A.) (900; $1.25*2.40)—“Around World in 80 Days” (UA) (5th wk)., Looks to land wow $12,000 or near. Last week ,$13,000. Kentucky (Switow) (1,000; 50-85) —“Man Afraid” (U) and “Kettles on Old MacDonald’s Farm” (U). Good $6,000. Last week, “Pftblic Pigeon No. 1” (U) and “Young Stranger” (U), $7,000. Loew’s (United Artists) (3,000; 50-85) — “Something Of Value” (M-G). Strong $11,000. Last week, “Bachelor Party” (UA) and “Man From Del Rio” (UA), $7,000. Mary'Anderson (People’s) (1,000; 50-85)—“Monkey On Back” (UA), Likely modest $4,500. Last week, “War Drums” (UA) and "Spring Reunion” (UA), $6,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 50-85)—"Johnny Tremain” (BV) and “Spoilers Of Forest” (20th). Healthy $10,000 or a bit over. Last week, “Island In Sun” (20th) (2d wk), $9,000. ‘Hellcats’ Nifty $8,000,' Indpls;‘Sun’ 9£G, 2d Indianapolis, July 2. Biz is fairly good at first-runs here this stanza despite torrential ; rains on fringe of Hurricane Aud¬ rey that made going rough for outdoor amusements. “Island in Sun,” in second week at the Indi¬ ana, still is top money film, with “10 Commandments,” in 23d week at Lyric, being close. “Hellcats* of Navy” at Loew’s shapes nice. “Kronos” at Circle looks oke. Com¬ pletely remodelled Keith's will open July 2 with “Prince and Showgirl,” to present full- lineup of first-run. houses here for first time since January. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 60- 90)—“Kronos” (20th) and “She- Devil” (20th). Okay $8,000. Last week, “D. I.” (WB) and “Crime of Passion” (UA), $11,000. Indiana (C-D) (3,£00; 60-90) — “Island In Sun” (20th) (2d wk). Good $9,500 after $17,000 opener. • .Loew’s (Loew) (2,427; 60-85) — “Hellcats of Navy” (Col) and “Guns of Fort Petticoat” (CoD. Nifty $8,000, Last week, “Some¬ thing of Value” (M-G) and “War Drums” (UA).- $7,000. Lyric (C-D) (900; $1.25*2.20)— “10 Commandments" (Par) (23d wk). Okay $9,000. Last week, $9.j?00. ‘Bemardine’ Boff Pittsburgh, July 2. Pat Boone's hot boxoffiee and his .first picture, “Bemardine,” is grabbing the brass rirfg downtown this week. Should stick around for a stretch. “Island in Sun” holding up great at Harris and may go an¬ other stanza. Both nabe art houses. Squirrel Hill and Guild, have win¬ ners hr “Strange One” and “Gold of Naples, 9 respectively. “Johnny Tremain” is a great disappoint¬ ment at the Stanley, and is mighty sad in 6 days. “Something of Value” shapes okay in second Penn session. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 80-$l,25>— “Bemardine” (20th). The Boone boy’s proving a blockbuster with at least $17,000, huge counted on for first stanza. Naturally sticks. Last week, “Tammy and Bachelor” (U>, $8,500 in 9 days. • Guild (Green) (500; 85-99)— “Gold of Naples” (DCA). Strong $3,750, or better. Last week, “Nana” (Times) (4th wk), $1,700. Harris (Harris) (2,165; 80*1.25) —“Island in Sun” (20th) (3d wk). StiU strong, with top weekends, and ought to go through the holi¬ day, with “Fire Down Below” (Col) opening July 12. Looks like tor¬ rid $11,000. Last week, $13,500. Nixon (Rubin) (1,400; $1.25*3)— “Around World in 80 Days” (UA) (12th wk). Pace is steady and the profit stiU big. Just short of $15,- 000, big. Last week, same. Penn (UA) (3,300; 80*1.25)— “Something of Value” (M-G) (2d wk-6 days). Not quite up to hopes but okay $9,000. Last week, $13,- 000. “Sweet Smell of Success” (UA) due in July 3. Squirrel. Hill (SW) (900; 85-99) -^"Strange One” (Col). Fine press reception. Big $4,500, (5th wk),. may be around for awhile. Last week, "Bachelor Party” (UA) $2,400, and could have stayed on. Stanley (SW) (3,800; 80-$1.25)— “Johnny Tremain” (BV). Took out extra space over weekend in hope of getting vacationing small fry but they’re not coming. Will he lucky to do sad $6,000 in 6 days. Last week, “I Was a Teenage Were¬ wolf’ (Indie) and. “Invasion Sau¬ cer Men” (Indie), $4,000. Warner (SW) (1,500; $1.25*2.40) —“10 Commandments” (Par) (16th wk). Inching up a bit again to socko $11,500. Last week, $11,000. ‘Monster’ Big $10,000, Seattle; ‘Sun’ 9G, 3d Seattle, July 2. Boxoffiee for the two long-run pix “Around World” and “Cine¬ rama Holiday,** look to build here this suiqmer. However, currently there are few pix doing much out¬ side of these upped-scale films. But “Island in Sun” still is smash in third round at Fifth Avenue. “Monster That Challenged World” is loud at Coliseum. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; $1.50-$2.50)—“Around World in 80 Days” (UA) (11th wk). Swell $13,- 000. Last week, $13,400. Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,870; 90- $1.25)—“Monster That Challenged (Continued on page IQ) New Pix Boom B’way; ‘Pride’ Terrif $128,000, ‘Beau’ Boff 3% ‘Success’ Sock 40G, ‘Joan’ 12G, Prince’ 142G Launching of four new pictures, three of them blockbusters geared for the Fourth of July week trade, is proving a vast help to Broadway trade this week. In addition, the end of school term for thousands of youngsters plus some cooler weather contributed to the upbeat. Heavy rainstorms Saturday night and late Sunday afternoon cooled the atmosphere, but failed to halt the usual trek to the beaches over the weekend. New champ from the standpoint of total coin is “Pride and the Pas¬ sion” at the Capitol.; Helped by expected big trade on July 4 with its "holiday scale and a $2.50 gen¬ eral admission top last Saturday and Sunday nights, this Stanley Kramer opus looks to hit a mighty $128,000 in its initial session end¬ ing tomorrow (Thurs.). “Beau James” is next in line with a wow $35,000 or near open¬ ing round at the Astor„ “Sweet SmeU of Success” looms as third best with a smash $40,000 expected in first stanza at the State. “St. Joan” is only fair $12,000 or near opening week at the Victoria. “Prince and Showgirl” with stageshow is heading for great $142,000 in current (3d) session at the Music Hall, still the standout ■showing for Broadway deluxers. “Island in Sun” with iceshow looks to hit a smash $88,000 in third stanza at the Roxy. Bpth pix, of course, continue. “The D.I.” wound up its fourth week last night (Tues.) with fair $23,000, same figure as third round, at the Paramount. Par flagship brings in a Rock-’n’-Roll stageshow with “Beginning of End,” initial AB-PT picture, today (Wed.). “Face in Crowd” rounded out its fifth frame last night with fine $9,500 at the Globe. Mayfair is bringing in “Delicate Delinquent” today (Wed.) after three slow weeks with “Scandal in Sorrento.” “Fernandel the Dressmaker” opened very good at the Paris last Saturday (29). “Happy Road” con¬ tinues socko at the Plaza with $14,- 700 for first full week., “Around World” held at capac¬ ity $37,100 in 37th session at the Rivoli. “10 Commandments,” with boost from two extra shows, is heading for great $45,000 in cur¬ rent (34th) week at the Criterion. "Seven Wqnders,” now in 65tli stanza, hit a big $34,900. in 64th round at the Warner. Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75*2)— “Beau James” (Par). First week ending today (Wed.) looks to hit wow $35,000. Holds, natch! In ahead, “Something of Value” (M-G) (7th wk-5 days), $11,500. Little- Carnegie (L. Carnegie) ($1.25*1.80) — “Nana” (Times) (i2th Wk). The 11th frame ended Thursday (27) was big $6,200 as against $5,700 in 10th week. Stays on indef. Baronet (Reade) (430; $1.25-$1.80) —“French, They Are Funny Race” (Cont) (7th wk). Sixth round ended Monday (1) was good $4,700, Fifth was $6,100. “Maid In Paris” (Cont) due in July 12. Capitol (Loew) (4,820; *1*2.75) —“Pride and Passion” (UA). Initial session winding tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for mighty $128,000, which takes in July 4. Last week. “Gunfight at O.K. Corral” (Par) (4th wk), $20,000, for one of heftiest engagements' here in months. “Pride” was getting $2.50 as gen¬ eral admission at night on Satur¬ day and Sunday. It will be among three or four biggest pix to play the Cap. Criterion (Moss) (1.671; $1.80- $3.30)—“10 Commandments” (Par) <34th wk). This round winding tomorrow (Thurs.) is headed for great $45,000 In 17 shows. The 33d week was $38,000 for 15 show’s. Continues Indef. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“Torero” (Col) (7th wk). Sixth frame concluded Monday (1) was solid $9,500. Fifth was $8,300. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.50> —“Face In Crowd” (WB) (6th wk). Fifth'round ended last night (Tues.) was fine $9,500 or near. Fourth was $11,400. Guild (Guild) (450: $1-$1.75) — “Green Man” (DCA) (7th wk). j Sixth stanza finished yesterday (Tues.) was socko $10,000 after $9,500 in fifth round. Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 79*1.80) =— “Delicate Delinquent” (Par). ODens today (Wed.). In ahead. “Scandal in Sorrento” (DCA) (3d wk), landed mild $7,500 despite previews. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80) ri “ ( l^jller’s I Be^tifulj ^ygji 5 I ter" (DCA) (4th wk). Third session finished Monday (1) was trim $5,000. Second week, $7,500, “Bambi’* (BV) (reissue) due in next. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— “Seventh Sin” (M-G) ancLvaude. Week ending today (Wed.) looks to hit nice $14,000 in 6 days. Last week, “Dino” (AA) and vaudeville $16,000. ‘Paramount (AB-PT) (3,665; $1- $2)—“Beginning of End” (Rep) with Rock 'n' Roll stageshow. Opens today (Wed.), the film being the first AB-PT screen’production. Last week, “The D. I.” (WB) (4th wk), was fair $23,000 same in third stanza. . Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1BD)—“Fernandel the Dressmak- er’Mlndie). Opened Saturday (29), with very good biz. In ahead, “Ju¬ lietta” (Kings) (2d wk-5 days), lean $2,800 after $6,000 in first week Radio City Music Hall (Rocke¬ fellers) (6,200; 95-$2,85)—“Prince and Showgirl” (WB) and stageshow (3d wk>. This session winding to¬ day (Wed.) is heading for great $142,000. Second week was $145,- 000. Stays on for some time, espe¬ cially in view, of its stamina. Hall had* biggest weekday of engage¬ ment last. Wednesday (26). Rivoli (UAT) (1,545; $1.25-$3.50) —"Around World” (UA) (38th wk). The 37th week concluded last night (Tues.) was capacity $37,100 in 10 shows. Previous week was the same for like number of perform¬ ances. Plaza (Brecher) (525; $1.50*2)— . "Happy Road” fM-G) (2d wk), (Continued on page 18) ‘Prince’ Smash $16,000, Frisco; ‘Success’ Sock 15G,‘Son’Sultry 14G .San Francisco, July 2. First-run biz here is excellent nearly all down the line currently, with “Prince and Showgirl” and “Sweet Smell of Success” both smash. The longrun “Around .World in 80 Days” and “Seven Wonders of World” still are raking in big coin. “Island in Sun” con¬ tinues sock in third Fox round “Lonely Man” looks good at Golden Gate while “Something of Value” is nice In'second Warfield session. “D.L” looms dandy in second Paramount frame. I Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 90- $1.25)—“Lonely Man” (Pari and "Buster Keaton Story” (Part. Good $13,000 or close. Last week, "Dragstrip Girl” (AI) and “Rock All Night” (AI), $10,500. Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1.25*1.50(— “Island In Sun” <20th> and “Break In Circle” (20th) (3d wk). Smash $14,000. Last week, $22,500. Warfield (Loew) (2,656; 90-$1.25) —“Something of Value” (M-G) (2d wk>. Nice $10,000. Last week, $16,000. Paramount (Par) (2,646; 90*1.25) —“D.I.” (WB) and “Counterfeit Plan” (WB) (2d wkh Dandy $12,- 000. Last week, $22,000. St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 90- $1:25) — “Prince and Showgirl” tWB>. Smash $16,000. Last week, “20 Million Miles To Earth” (Col) and “27th Day” (Col), $15,000. Orpheum (SW-Cinerama) (1.458; $1.75-$2.65) — “Seven Wonders” (Cinerama) (32d wk). Great $19,- 800. Last week, $19,300. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 90-$1.25>—“Sweet Smell of Suc¬ cess” (UA) and “Gun Man Down” (UA). Socko $15,000. Last week, “Trooper Hook” (UA) and "Square Ring" (Rep), $5,500. StagedoOr (A-R) (440; $1.25- $2.20)—“10 Commandments” (Par) (6th wk). Good $7,500. Last uraplr camp Laridn (Rosener) (400; $1.25)— “Green Man” (DCA). Excellent $5,200. Last week, “Gate of Hell” (Indie! (reissue) (2d wk), $1,500. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1.25'— “Femahdel Dressmaker” (Indie) (3d wk). Big $3,000. Last week, ditto. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (364; $1.25'—“Gold of Naples” (DCA) (5th wk). Hep $3,000. Last week, same. Bridge (Schwarz) (396; $1.25>— “Nana” (Times) (5th wk). Oke $2,- 200. Last week, $1,500. Coronet (United California) (1,250; $1.50-$3.75) — “Around World In 80 Days” (UA) (27th wk). Terrific $27,000. Last week, $25,- m »* i i S i ■ J